Book of John - Chapter 11 - Verse 38

When Jesus arrived at the grave of Lazarus, he was deeply moved and troubled in spirit, as expressed by his groaning within himself. The use of the word "again" indicates that this was not the first time Jesus had experienced this level of emotion. The fact that the grave was a cave with a stone laid upon it adds to the significance of the moment. In ancient Jewish burial customs, caves were often used as tombs, and a stone was placed over the entrance to seal the tomb. The presence of the stone symbolizes the finality and permanence of death, highlighting the power of Jesus in the upcoming miracle of Lazarus' resurrection. Jesus, by groaning and approaching the grave, demonstrates his humanity and compassion for Lazarus and his family, while also setting the stage for the miraculous display of his divine power that is about to take place.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "Jesus therefore again groaning in himself cometh to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay upon it," it is important to note the significance of Jesus' emotional response. The act of groaning demonstrates Jesus' deep compassion and empathy for those who were mourning the death of Lazarus. It also highlights the humanity of Jesus, showing that he experienced emotions such as sorrow and empathy just like any other person. Furthermore, the fact that the grave was a cave with a stone laid upon it carries symbolic weight in biblical interpretation. The cave can represent the darkness and death that sin brings into the world, while the stone symbolizes the barrier between life and death. Jesus, by raising Lazarus from the dead, not only demonstrates his power over death but also foreshadows his own resurrection, pointing towards the ultimate victory over sin and death that he would achieve through his sacrifice on the cross.